Triumph Street Triple S 2017 — Specifications

Do you remember that feeling when a motorcycle you love changes? A mix of excitement and apprehension. In 2017, Triumph took that risk with the Street Triple, and you needed to have your wits about you. Tinkering with a roadster as iconic as that was playing with fire. Yet, with this third generation, and especially this S version, the engineers at Hinckley pulled off a remarkable feat: evolving without betraying its essence. The design clearly draws inspiration from the larger Speed Triple, with its twin LED headlights and aggressive air intake, giving it a more aggressive stance. But the real work lies in the svelte lines: a compact exhaust, a tapered rear fairing—everything has been redesigned to visually reduce weight. And it’s not just a question of style, as it weighs in at a dry weight of 166 kg. This featherweight contributes to a promise of exhilarating sensations.

The heart of the transformation beats beneath the 17.4-liter fuel tank. Farewell to the legendary 675, making way for the 765 cm3 triple. This isn’t just a simple enlargement; it’s a rebirth. With 80 new parts, this engine delivers 113 horsepower at 11,250 rpm and a more accessible torque of 73 Nm, at 9100 rpm. The difference from the previous engine is palpable: more punch in the low-to-mid range, without sacrificing the screaming character that made the Triumph three-cylinder so famous. Facing competitors like the Yamaha MT-09 or the Kawasaki Z900, the Street Triple S focuses on finesse and sensory density rather than brute power. The gearbox, with its short ratios on the first two gears, transforms every acceleration into an event. It’s precise, incisive, and terribly playful.

For the chassis, Triumph remains faithful to its philosophy. The aluminum beam frame, inherited from the sporty Daytona, is a benchmark for rigidity and feedback. The new swingarm provides additional stability. On the suspension front, the S plays the accessibility card with a 41mm Showa SFF inverted fork and a mono shock, adjustable only for preload. This is perfect for twisty roads or dynamic urban use, but the purist asphalt rider or novice track rider will quickly miss the lack of complete adjustments. The same observation applies to the brakes: the two-piston Nissin calipers and 310mm discs do the job with the help of ABS, but they lack bite and progression compared to the Brembos on the R and RS versions. That’s the price to pay for an entry-level roadster.

The electronics mark a welcome generational leap. Ride-by-wire throttle enables two riding modes, Road and Rain, and finally, there’s a switchable traction control system. The dashboard, although not yet the full-option TFT screen of the higher models, is readable and complete. This is the very positioning of the 2017 Triumph Street Triple S: it offers the essentials of modernity and the sensations of the new 765 triple, without the high-end equipment that drives up the price. With a price of around €9,000 at the time, it positioned itself as an intelligent and ultra-seductive gateway to the world of sporty roadsters.

So, who is it for? For the motorcyclist looking for a responsive, lightweight machine with a well-defined character for daily use and weekend sporting rides. For those who want the unique sound and sensations of the Triumph three-cylinder without breaking the bank. It’s also an excellent base for an A2 license, thanks to reliable restriction kits, explaining why we still often look for a used Triumph Street Triple S A2 today. Yes, its suspensions and brakes will require an upgrade if you become demanding, but at its core, it’s a true Street Triple, more mature and stronger than ever. It proves that you can modernize a legend without losing its soul.